Stoke City unveil plans for training ground upgrade

STOKE CITY have unveiled plans for a new two-storey building at their training ground that will include a gym, sauna and hydrotherapy room.

Club officials have held a consultation with local residents to address any concerns, including an increase in traffic and noise. A planning application is expected to be submitted to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council next month, which will take account of views in the consultation.

The Potters undertook a £5m redevelopment of their Clayton Wood site at the start of 2010/11, but it is now shared by the first team, Academy and women’s sides.

Under the new plans, Stoke would instal a two-storey building for just the men’s team on a section of grass that is currently used for warm ups. The existing building would then be used by the Academy and women’s teams and there are plans for a first-floor extension.

This would incorporate a new parents’ lounge. Under Youth Development Rules, every club Academy must have a guest lounge that can accommodate at least 50 people.

In February, Stoke announced a five-year investment programme in their training ground and bet365 Stadium. This was initially expected to cost £20m, but is now likely to exceed that figure.

Joint-chairman John Coates: “In terms of investment in the team and everything else... all I can say is that over the last 15, 16 years we've invested £330m into the club and I can only tell you that our passion for the club remains the same.

“We just want the club to be successful and that's what we'll be focused on. At the training ground we want to give tools to all our sides down there and provide as good facilities as possible for the success of the teams.”